An Act to amend and reenact § 3.2-809 of the Code of Virginia, relating to Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services; invasive plant species installation; written notification to property owners; civil penalty.
HB710 amends Virginia Code § 3.2-809 to create a specific civil penalty for tradespersons who do not give property owners the written notice required by regulations governing invasive plant species installation. Under the bill, the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services may assess penalties of up to $250 for a first violation, $500 for a second violation, and $1,000 for each subsequent violation. The bill leaves in place the existing Class 1 misdemeanor penalty for other violations of the chapter or its regulations, but carves out this narrower civil enforcement mechanism for the notice requirement.
The measure is aimed at improving compliance with invasive plant species rules by ensuring property owners are informed in writing before installation work is performed. It also directs that civil penalty proceeds be deposited into the Plant Pollination Fund, linking enforcement revenue to a fund associated with plant and pollination-related purposes.
HB710 changes the enforcement structure in § 3.2-809 by adding an administrative civil penalty option specifically for tradespersons who fail to provide required written notice to property owners under regulations adopted pursuant to § 3.2-802(C). This affects contractors, landscapers, and other tradespersons involved in invasive plant species installation, while preserving the existing criminal penalty for broader violations of the chapter. It also creates a dedicated revenue stream for the Plant Pollination Fund.
The available record shows no committee transcripts or recorded votes, so there is no documented debate or split in the materials provided. The bill’s enactment as Chapter 412 suggests it advanced successfully through the legislative process and was approved by the Governor. On its face, the bill appears to reflect a regulatory and consumer-protection approach rather than a controversial policy change.
The main potential point of contention is the imposition of new civil penalties on tradespersons for failing to provide written notice, which could be viewed by industry stakeholders as an added compliance burden or enforcement risk. On the other hand, supporters would likely emphasize the need for transparency and property-owner awareness when invasive plant species are installed. Because no transcripts or votes are provided, no specific objections or named opponents can be identified from the record.